Human Rights Lawyer (Hamilton & Toronto) / Chair of
@OBAlawyers
Human Rights Section / 1stVP
@ARCHDisability
/ HRTO PAC / U of T Law (JD) & Cornell Law (LL.M.)
I represented MPP
@SarahJama_
today at the Divisional Court with respect to the
@OntarioPCParty
’s decision to censure her in the Ontario Legislature. Couldn’t have asked for better co-counsel than David Baker and Daniel Mulroy.
Surely the
@HamiltonPolice
can use their resources for better things than investigating some yellow paint in a peaceful protest. Other municipalities did not treat similar events as "criminal". You might disagree with the paint, but this seems retaliatory.
Take a look at this link about Locke Street march on Mar 25 — funny that they refer to themselves as “Patriots”. This is not patriotic. Canadians recognize the strength in our diversity and stand for tolerance, equality and respect - not fear and hatred.
Rather than attack the public sector for having pensions, maybe we should focus on why private sector pensions are becoming a thing of the past. This shouldn’t be a race to the bottom!
Unions have maintained labour rights... they have value. We’re stronger together.
#ONpoli
Apparently this was in MAD Magazine in 1968 - reminds me of all of the
#MAGA
and
#MCGA
“super patriots” on twitter and elsewhere. Lots of hateful opinions but I’m convinced these “patriots” are a very small (but vocal) minority in Canada.
#SocialJustice
#HumanRights
Minister Thompson
@LisaThompsonMPP
says this protest was a result of “union tactics”...
Unions promote economic equality, human rights, social justice and strengthen democracy. Lisa, you see “union tactics” as derogatory and sinister - to me it’s a badge of honour.
#ONpoli
“Welfare is not popular with voters...Many resent having their tax money going to support people they view as the underserving poor.” Government programs should not be based on voter ignorance....sometimes doing what is right means doing what is unpopular
The
@fordnation
Government is going to cut tuition by 10% but there will be corresponding cuts to OSAP as well. This only benefits students who do not qualify for OSAP.
Another Ford policy taking from the poor and giving to the rich? So much for "For the People"...
#onpoli
I'm looking forward to serving as Chair of the Ontario Bar Association's
@OBAlawyers
Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Section this year and working with
@m_kellythorne
as Vice-Chair. Look for some excellent CLE programming and newsletter material. Great executive!
This morning, in an urgent ex parte motion, the Superior Court granted an injunction for a period of 10 days preventing the
@cityofhamilton
from involuntarily removing individuals who are homeless from encampments on public spaces.
@keepingsix
@HAMSMArTeam
#HamOnt
In 2015 the Supreme Court said, in relation to the right to strike, "collective action at the moment of impasse is an affirmation of the dignity and autonomy of employees in their working lives".
@ONgov
eliminated that dignity. Education workers today, others tomorrow.
#onpoli
Justice delayed is justice denied.
The Ontario Govt has failed to appoint adjudicators to the Human Rights Tribunal despite a significant shortage. Hearings/mediations are being adjourned and delays are increasing.
Wake up
@fordnation
I have been selected by my peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2021 edition in two areas: (1) labour and employment, and (2) appellate practice (a new area I was recognized in for the first time this year). Thank you to my colleagues.
@BestLawyers
Discrimination plays a significant role in elections. Can a Premier be lesbian? Can a PM wear a turban? Political parties should not cater to discriminatory attitudes made evident through polls
#onpoli
#cdnpoli
Check out my article published today:
Anyone remembers Licks Nature Burgers? Was thinking about one after many years.... two hours later and a drive to Scarborough, I am biting into one 🤣 Apparently Scarborough is the only one Licks left...
Does it bring discredit to the legal profession when an Ontario lawyer joins the Proud Boys (currently on Canada’s list of terrorist organizations)? Curious to see response from
@LawSocietyLSO
#onpoli
Ontario lawyer seen in video reciting Proud Boys oath
Hamilton Spectator
@TheSpec
published an article I wrote about the dangerous times ahead and the attack on traditional media and social justice advocates. I fear these attacks are leading to an unwillingness to speak out against intolerance. Article here:
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario awards $200,000 as general damages (A.B. v. Joe Singer Shoes) - new high water mark for these damages. Good decision, but still problems with awards generally - check out my blog here
The
@OntHumanRights
announced that it will intervene in the challenge to the Interim Sex-Ed Curriculum on the basis that it discriminates on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender ID and gender expression. Excellent leadership from
@RenuMandhane
!
I am honoured to have been selected by my peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2020
@BestLawyers
in the field Labour and Employment Law.
It's very humbling to be selected by my peers - thank you!
I have been selected by my peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2022 edition in two areas: (1) labour and employment, and (2) appellate practice. This is a peer review process from existing recognized lawyers - thank you to my colleagues.
@BestLawyers
Yesterday a BC Judge denied City of Prince George’s bid to dismantle an encampment on the basis that there is inadequate shelter space available. Good decision & relevant to the litigation in
#HamOnt
following City’s unilateral decision to end protocol.
In recent years lawyers have experienced increasing criticism (letters, emails, social media posts, etc.) for representing clients in disfavour with some groups in our community. I’ve experienced this criticism recently in some higher profile cases I’m working on, including my…
I’m working on a case on behalf of disabled post-secondary students and government student loans. If you are or know of a current or former Canadian post-secondary student with a disability who took longer to complete studies and received a government student loan, please send me…
I must say - this is surprising. I'm rarely blocked, but to be blocked by Ezra Levant of Rebel Media... not sure if I should be insulted or flattered....
"You are blocked from following
@ezralevant
and viewing
@ezralevant
's Tweets. Learn more"
This election brought out the worst in
#HamOnt
- we have seen misleading attacks and racist & misogynistic garbage. BUT we also have excellent people who have stepped forward (some new and some incumbents) and run clean campaigns focused on the issues. Positive change is coming.
It is becoming increasingly popular to criticize the "social justice world" and preach intolerance...
@jordanbpeterson
should look carefully in the mirror and reflect on what the new societal "plague" actually is
#socialjustice
#HumanRights
Referring to the police as soldiers of the judicial system is a dangerous way to characterize the interaction between our justice system and law enforcement. We do not need increased militant characterizations given everything that is happening these days.
On the eve of Labour Day 2020 I want to thank all of our Unions across the province for advancing workers’ rights and serving as the backbone of the social justice movement. There is important work ahead. Thank you for continuing the fight to level the playing field!
#HamOnt
Today was a busy day.
It is inspiring to see so many Hamiltonians standing together and speaking out. While there are problems within the City, the people of Hamilton have clearly not lost their compassion and commitment to their neighbours! Very proud of Hamilton today
#HamOnt
This dress code is discriminatory. To suggest the police will enforce it if surprising and frightening. How far will we digress?
Police have real and legitimate issues to tackle - we shouldn’t mandate the enforcement of discrimination against citizens.
#qcpoli
#cdnpoli
This tweet posted Thursday from Garth Stevenson, former chair of political science at
@BrockUniversity
(now retired), gives us a frightening glimpse of racism that simmers under the surface for some. By all accounts he was a respected academic...how far did his influence reach?
I’m too out of shape to chase ambulances (gym closures and all). Typically the “ambulances” I represent come to me. I did not become a lawyer for money, I became a lawyer to help people - it’s interesting whenever someone doesn’t agree with a lawyer we are “ambulance chasers”
"There's a reason you separate military and the police. One fights the enemies of the state. The other serves and protects the people. When the military becomes both, then the enemies of the state tend to become the people."
Battlestar Galactica - Commander Adams
Violence is found in many religious texts. You’ve picked out a violent passage from the Quran. Good for you. See clip below from my fav TV show with similar examples from Bible. Not a criticism just a fact - Religion can be used for both good and evil
Letter published in Middlesex County Law Association’s newsletter: “It is extraordinary to allege that racism is “systemic” in the legal profession...and an insult to non-racialized lawyers...”. I'm a non-racialized lawyer and NOT insulted by the assertion of racism in profession
How insensitive and inhuman.
It's also short term thinking from an economic perspective. Rape Crisis Centres provide vital support and resources. If they were not around, the cost to society in the long run from increased medical care from untreated trauma would be staggering.
Remember when we used to fight homelessness not people experiencing homelessness?
#HamOnt
@BCouncillor
pegged it this week - if there aren’t enough spaces for people in Hamilton that is the real problem - the City’s decision to litigate is inhumane and wastes City resources.
I've been selected by my peers in the legal community again this year for inclusion in Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 in the areas of Appellate Practice and Labour and Employment Law. I feel privileged to be a part of this excellent group - thank you.
The Ontario Govt is now REQUIRING gas stations to post misleading stickers about the carbon tax on gas pumps
And if they refuse? A fine of up to $10,000 per day!
It’s becoming tougher to recognize Ont as a province in Canada these days
#onpoli
#cdnpoli
It is a real honour for me to even be nominated and listed in the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada for 2019 and I’m truly humbled
Thank for your tweet
@MirilynSharp
#lawyers
"This past year
@WPoziomka
served as Chair of
@OBAlawyers
Constitutional, Civil Liberties & Human Rights Section Executive, 1st V-P of
@ARCHDisability
Legal Clinic, & is one of 3 applicant-side reps appointed to
@OntHumanRights
Tribunal of Ontario’s Practice advisory committee."
Excellent leadership from
@CUPELocal5167
- issue is not “tent cities” but safe alternatives that work for residents in encampments. It’s difficult to find a measured solution for everyone (including those living near encampments)when the City will not come to the table.
#HamOnt
At the Court of Appeal today representing Inclusion Action in Ontario
@Inclusion_Ont
and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society
@CdnDownSyndrome
as intervenors in an important section 15 Charter challenge along with
@AshleyMAWilson
“The idea that we’re all in this together and that we must keep talking is dangerous. We might find ourselves wasting time on a fundamentally unbalanced dialogue, where on side is armed with ideas, and the other is armed with weapons...”
Interesting read
This morning the Superior Court extended the injunction preventing the involuntary removal of individuals from homeless encampments until the motion can be heard in early-September, 2020. This was done on consent.
#HamOnt
@HAMSMArTeam
@keepingsix
@hamiltonjustice
This morning, in an urgent ex parte motion, the Superior Court granted an injunction for a period of 10 days preventing the
@cityofhamilton
from involuntarily removing individuals who are homeless from encampments on public spaces.
@keepingsix
@HAMSMArTeam
#HamOnt
The dispute is with the Government of Saudi Arabia - not Saudi Ararbian people (many of who are also victims of the Government). Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, not a democracy (they do not choose their government). Lots of inappropriate tweets about ALL Saudi Arabians.
#humanrights
This is an important case to test the limits of creed, a ground set out in the Human Rights Code. Once seen near-exclusively as a religious view, creed has expanded to incorporate genuinely held world views that are not religious in nature.
I look forward to advancing this case.
Wade Poziomka was cited in the
@washingtonpost
this morning as a "noted Canadian human rights lawyer" - he is advancing an argument for his Client that ethical veganism can, in some circumstances, constitute creed and be a protected human right
#onpoli
Thank you Hamilton Spec
@TheSpec
readers for voting me as Best Employment Lawyer in the 2020 readers’ choice awards!
Was Gold in Best Lawyer (honoured, although kills me to be under
@tylerbanham
! Real estate lawyers serve more clients 🤣 - only kidding, Tyler’s great).
#HamOnt
Today the Ontario Human Rights Commission, led by Chief Commissioner
@EnaChadha
, intervened in
@HamiltonPride
's application before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. See below.
Thank you Chief Commissioner Chadha for your leadership and dedication to human rights.
#HamOnt
Cllr Ferguson speaking about Police Serv. Board:
“…everybody’s looking over your shoulder in that role...Whether it’s the police oversight groups, or...the Matthew Greens of the world…”
It's called accountability Councillor. It's necessary.
#HamOnt
…
This is not leadership.
“There are people who are a little racist and don't want to see religious symbols anywhere in public," Legault said
To minorities worried about religious symbols law, Quebec premier says he 'could have gone further'
I spoke with
@ChmlBillKelly
this morning on
@AM900CHML
about homeless encampments and some
@cityofhamilton
Councillors casting blame. This has been a very disheartening process and my frustration with Council is evident in this interview - time for facts, not sound bites.
#HamOnt
I'm honoured to be nominated for the top 25 most influential lawyers in Canada in the area of human rights.
There are so many deserving lawyers who go above and beyond to advance the law - to be named alongside this crop is humbling. You can vote here:
Should this occur
@ward1wilson
I am willing to provide you with pro bono legal representation. Our principled City Councillors should be able to represent their constituents with integrity, like you always do, without becoming a target.
#HamOnt
@ward1wilson
@JohnPaulDanko
Cllr, you should all expect retaliation from the ‘old guard.’
We’ve never spoken or met but I have been reliably informed certain elected officials are planning to accuse you of leaking intel to me.
Happy
#IWD2019
This is my daughter Alex this morning rocking a serious case of bed head. Not only is she a very special woman in many peoples' lives, it's also her 1st Birthday today!
My other daughter Katie wanted to be in her 1st tweet - says she is famous now :)
#proudpapa
Read this letter from
@RenuMandhane
, Chief Commissioner of the
@OntHumanRights
, to Attorney General
@douglasdowney
. Another example of the systemic dismantling of our human rights system in Ontario.
It’s time to speak out before it’s too late
#onpoli
So give him a parking ticket like anyone else.
Is a Toronto Sun article about his 30 min stint to a mall really newsworthy?
@TheTorontoSun
must be struggling these days with this nonsense. Maybe focus on all the great work
@MatthewGreenNDP
is doing in Ottawa.
#HamOnt
I support your right to speak Mr. Fromm. I’d rather someone so vile be out in the spotlight so we can all remember what people can become when we fill our hearts with hatred.
Your are a reminder of the dark side of humanity and while we hear your words, they have no legitimacy
I've been called a lot of things, but a "racist" is a first. I think from here on out I will make it a policy not to respond to anonymous and hateful cowards. Fighting for human rights and equality can really wear you down sometimes...
The Government needs to take more aggressive action to address what is happening in Canadian prisons. The status quo may soon equate to Canada becoming a death penalty nation after all...regardless of the crime.
A second inmate in a Canadian federal prison has died of COVID-19: 2 deaths, almost 300 testing positive, 5 penitentiaries contaminated, 400 in extreme conditions in medical isolation, 100s more in cruel, prolonged solitary confinement-like conditions 1/2
This is great news.
@RenuMandhane
is a dedicated and principled leader who never failed to advance human rights - even when things became difficult. The legal profession is enhanced with her appointment to the bench. Congratulations Madam Justice!
Five postal code zones (four of which have Conservative MPPs) have been designated priority zones for vaccinations despite their COVID rates being below provincial averages.
Seems like partisanship over health - I hope I am wrong. Explanation?
#onpoli
Many employees live paycheque to paycheque and situations like this can worsen mental health disabilities.
See info bulletin I've drafted for employers on legal rights and ways to protect/support employees during
#COVID19
.
We're all in this together.
My first job after graduating from law school was working for Justice Robert Sharpe. I spent weeks reviewing hard copy cases in law libraries (none of this online stuff 😁)
A brilliant judge and a great person. He was sworn out this past week ending a 25 year career on the bench
I am representing Democracy Watch to challenge the process used to appoint judges. I hope we can work with the federal government toward reform to strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and eliminate any appearance of partisanship.
#cdnpoli
#onpoli
Matthew Green
@MatthewGreenNDP
is a tireless advocate for social justice,
labour, and the City of Hamilton. He is principled and doesn't sit on the fence
when it might benefit him - something lacking in politics today.
Good luck in the election my friend.
#cdnpoli
#HamOnt
I am very proud to be representing
@HamiltonPride
, along with my colleague
@JZdriluk
. Pride Hamilton stands up to discrimination against the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities in
#HamOnt
.
On Friday, June 12, 2020 Pride Hamilton filed an application against the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) and the City of Hamilton with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. A link to a downloadable PDF of this statement is available at .
#HamOnt
From 1958 after Jewish temple bombing:
You do not encourage hatred for one group and hope to restrict it for others. It's an old story, and one repeated over and over again in history. When the wolves of hate are loosed on one people...no one is safe
Informative article by 2 social workers on encampments housing individuals who are homeless in
#HamOnt
. Good work
It is concerning that there is a fear to write truth and counter misinformation (
@TheSpec
agreed not to publish identities due to potential negative ramifications)
Tribunal Watch Ontario released a Statement of Concern recently about Tribunals Ontario and a growing & serious problem - this includes the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Click the link (not the picture) to read.
#humanrights
#SocialJustice
#Lawyer
In relation to what is happening in
#Caledonia
with the
#protests
, Haldimand Mayor Ken Hewitt, referring to the police, stated:
“They’re the soldiers of the court. The court has issued the order”.
I knew I heard talk like this before. I found this quote:
#onpoli
#HamOnt
/1
The Hamilton Spectator
@TheSpec
published an opinion piece I wrote clarifying what the dispute between
@HAMSMArTeam
/
@keepingsix
and
@CityofHamOnt
is really about. Reasonable people can disagree but the ‘political spinning’ of this issue required a response.
#HamOnt
#OPINION
Hamilton human rights lawyer Wade Poziomka counters statements made by a city councilors on homeless encampments: "Some folks in encampments know that they will not be successful in any of the options that currently exist."
Justice Norris was a brilliant lawyer/professor, and now is a respected jurist. Your tweet is ignorant and clearly to advance a political agenda. A democratic society depends on strong advocates to provide those accused of crime with their constitutional right to a defence.
The Prime Minister has appointed Omar Khadr's lawyer as a federal judge. This is a man who defended a confessed murderer and terrorist. This is an utter embarrassment for Canada and the Canadian judicial system.
The Independent Review of the
@HamiltonPolice
inaction at Pride 2019 reveals serious issues. Also troubling is the fact that the police investigated themselves through a flawed
@OIPRD_BDIEP
process and found their response to be acceptable.
#HamOnt
@Calderon08
@JZdriluk
Easier said than done
Progressive voters often find homes in the Liberal or NDP party (at times they are close on spectrum)
Rather than fall into a two-party system like the US, I think the answer is proportional representation. Look at the difference for ON:
#cdnpoli
#onpoli
Today I joined MPP
@ndesrosiers
at Queen's Park to introduce the Charter of Rights Transparency Act. The Charter protects individual rights that should not be bargained away through the course of ordinary give-and-take politics. Take politics out of the Charter.
#OnPoli
#CdnPoli
Thank you to
@WPoziomka
for joining me today to present my private member’s bill on Charter Transparency. It’s time to take politics out of the charter.
#onpoli
Excellent article by
@TeviahMoro
from
@TheSpec
that shows the human element to those living in encampments.
It is a shame
@cityofhamilton
councillors (9 of them) have chosen to fight the injunction rather than work cooperatively with us toward a joint resolution.
#HamOnt
About 35 people sleep in tents on Ferguson Ave. They, along with an encampment near FirstOntario Centre and others scattered across the city, are the focus of a polarized debate,
@TeviahMoro
reports
#HamOnt
Here are their stories:
Councillor Wilson
@ward1wilson
released an article about encampments for the homeless in the
@CityofHamilton
. Articulate, fair and importantly, truthful.
This is leadership. This type of engagement should be considered by all Council members.
#HamOnt
Very honoured and humbled to have been voted by Hamilton Spectator readers as the Diamond (top) Human Rights and Employment Lawyer in Hamilton (five years in a row!)
Thank you
@TheSpec
readers - I appreciate your continued support
#HamOnt
Exploiting people trying to keep their loved ones safe, for a quick buck, is sad to to see. And with such pride....
‘We’re hustlers’: Amid coronavirus fears, this couple has made more than $100,000 reselling Lysol wipes
And you sir are not a champion of free speech. Rather you are a warning to the rest of us of a hurt and hateful segment of society that we must remain ever vigilant of
In Ottawa today representing an intervener at the Foreign Interference Commission that will examine & assess alleged interference by China, Russia, India and other foreign actors on the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Looking forward to the work to be done on an important issue.
I am looking forward to serving on the 2020/2021
@OBAlawyers
Board of Directors as the Director of Professional Development under the leadership of President
@CharleneYYZ
An amazing evening in
#HamOnt
. Congratulations to the new council. After so many disappointments there is so much to look forward to. I believe this group is committed to real solutions and I look forward to the work to be done to address the many issues we face.
I have been selected by my peers for the 4th straight year for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. For the 2023 edition I was selected in two areas: (1) Labour and Employment & (2) Appellate Practice. This is a peer review process - thank you to my colleagues.
@BestLawyers
My thoughts on encampment litigation. We should be working together as a community, not litigating in court and wasting resources. Misinformation from some City Councillors needs to stop.
#HamOnt
deserves better - both encampment neighbours and those experiencing homelessness.
This Christmas we got matching pyjamas - I broke my ankle Sunday night (going to use that as an excuse to keep them on for Christmas dinner 😁). Happy holidays everyone!
Yesterday I interviewed with
@AnthUrch
to respond to
@cityofhamilton
Councillors' recent criticism on "advocates" - this behaviour has to stop.
#HamOnt
Video below
WATCH: Hamilton lawyer, Wade Poziomka talks city councillors attacking 'activists'
See comment below. If preventing people who have few options and are experiencing homelessness from being “locked up” is a “do-gooder”, I’ll wear it like a badge of honour.
Thankfully, comments like this are few and far between. Hamiltonians are a compassionate bunch!
#HamOnt
In my view the anti-SLAPP legislation and Justice Sheard’s decision are important and should lend confidence to those engaged in public criticism
#HamOnt
#onpoli
Judge tosses defamation suit launched by ex-Hamilton city staffer with white supremacist ties